VOLUNTEERING FOR HEALTH | Community First BWF

VOLUNTEERING
FOR HEALTH

This project brings together a new partnership of organisations working collaboratively to strengthen and enhance the volunteering experience across the Northwest of England, within the Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care System.

Led by Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Charity, the partnership includes Spring North, Blackburn with Darwen CVS, Cumbria CVS, Lancashire Association CVS, and Volunteer Centre Blackpool, Wyre, and Fylde.

Together, these organisations will share approaches, align ways of working, and build stronger relationships to create a more consistent, supportive, and impactful volunteering offer across the region.

“Transforming Volunteering for a Healthier Lancashire and South Cumbria.”

OUR PROJECT .

Throughout 2025-2026, we will establish four local volunteering partnerships in Blackburn with Darwen, Blackpool, Lancashire, and South Cumbria.

Each partnership will work closely with volunteers and organisations to co-create place-based visions for volunteering and clear strategies for delivery.

We will also develop system-wide Volunteer Health Champion roles, who will be utilised to align to health care priorities —particularly in communities where health challenges are greatest.

To make volunteering easier and more rewarding, we will;

ONLINE PORTAL

Launching a new online portal to make volunteering simpler, smarter, and easier to find — connecting people with opportunities, training, and support all in one place

GROWTH

Recognising volunteers for their contributions and helping them develop new skills, confidence, and career pathways through ongoing training and personal development.

INNOVATION

Testing new models of engagement, standardising how volunteering is monitored and measured, and using digital tools to improve impact and consistency across the region.

INVOLVE

Ensuring volunteers have a voice in shaping the future of health volunteering through our Have Your Say events and co-design sessions.

GET INVOLVED.

Have Your Say Events

Our Have Your Say events invite volunteers to share their experiences, ideas, and priorities for the future of health volunteering.

These sessions ensure every volunteer helps shape the programme — improving access, recognition, and impact.

Your voice matters in building a volunteering system that works for everyone.

Volunteer Opportunities

There are hundreds of volunteer opportunities across Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde, and your time and skills could make a real difference!

From helping at community events or supporting fundraising activities, to lending a hand with gardening, admin, or teaching — there’s something for everyone.

You could visit isolated individuals, support patient care, or get involved with local history and friends’ groups.

Whether you can give an hour a week or just a one-off, every bit of help counts. Together, we can build stronger, kinder communities.

See what's available

Blackpool's Volunteering Strategy 2026-2031

Blackpool has officially launched its Volunteering Strategy 2026–2031, a bold, community‑shaped plan designed to make volunteering more visible, accessible and impactful across the town. The strategy sets out a shared vision for Blackpool where

“everyone feels able, welcomed and encouraged to make a meaningful difference in their community” .

Developed through extensive co‑production with volunteers, VCSE organisations, social prescribing partners and residents, the strategy marks a major milestone in strengthening Blackpool’s volunteering infrastructure and supporting healthier, more connected communities.

View Strategy